What got you here won't get you there...

In "What Got You Here Won't Get You There," executive coach Marshall Goldsmith and author Mark Reiter offer a comprehensive guide to help successful individuals become even more accomplished in their personal and professional lives.

The book focuses on identifying and addressing the behaviors that may have contributed to initial success but may now hinder further advancement.

The authors present a practical framework centered around 20 workplace habits that, when appropriately addressed, can propel individuals to new heights in their careers.

The cornerstone of Goldsmith and Reiter's approach is the concept that the habits and behaviors that contribute to early success may not necessarily be conducive to continued growth.

As such, the book focuses on:

• self-awareness
• introspection and
• self-improvement as the primary tools for overcoming these habits.

The 20 habits are divided into four broad categories:

• those that demonstrate a need to win
• those that involve adding too much value
• those that involve passing judgment and
• those that involve making destructive comments..

The 20 habits are as follows:

• Winning too much: The need to always win, even when it doesn't matter. Pivot move: Embrace collaboration and focus on shared goals.
• Adding too much value: Constantly offering suggestions, even when not needed. Pivot move: Practice active listening and empower others to contribute.
• Passing judgment: Criticizing others, often without full context. Pivot move: Adopt a growth mindset and focus on improvement, not blame.
• Making destructive comments: Negative remarks that undermine others.Pivot move: Choose words carefully and provide constructive feedback.
• Starting with "No," "But," or "However": Dismissing ideas before considering them. Pivot move: Be open-minded and receptive to new ideas.
• Telling the world how smart you are: Bragging about your intelligence or achievements. Pivot move: Let your actions speak for themselves and practice humility.
• Speaking when angry: Letting emotions dictate your communication style. Pivot move: Develop emotional intelligence and practice self-regulation.
• Negativity: Focusing on problems instead of solutions. Pivot move: Cultivate an optimistic mindset and seek opportunities in challenges.
• Withholding information: Keeping vital details to yourself. Pivot move: Foster a culture of transparency and open communication.
• Failing to give proper recognition: Not acknowledging the contributions of others. Pivot move: Show appreciation and celebrate the successes of your team.
• Claiming credit that you don't deserve: Taking credit for others' work. Pivot move: Be honest about your contributions and give credit where it's due.
• Making excuses: Shifting blame or refusing to take responsibility. Pivot move: Own your mistakes and learn from them.
• Clinging to the past: Focusing on past achievements rather than future growth. Pivot move: Embrace change and continuous learning.
• Playing favorites: Favoring certain individuals over others. Pivot move: Treat everyone fairly and consistently.
• Refusing to express regret: Not apologizing for mistakes or missteps. Pivot move: Show vulnerability and sincerity in acknowledging your errors.
• Not listening: Ignoring or interrupting others while they speak. Pivot move: Practice active listening and give others your full attention.
• Failing to express gratitude: Neglecting to show appreciation for others. Pivot move: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and recognize the value of your team.
• Punishing the messenger: Blaming those who bring bad news. Pivot move: Encourage open communication and address issues constructively.
• Passing the buck: Avoiding responsibility for decisions or actions. Pivot move: Be accountable for your choices and their consequences.
• An excessive need to be "me": Insisting on doing things your way without considering others. Pivot move: Be open to change and adapt to new circumstances or perspectives.

To overcome these 20 habits, Goldsmith and Reiter propose a seven-step process.

• The first step involves identifying the behaviors that are holding one back.
• Next, the authors recommend apologizing for past transgressions and seeking feedback from colleagues and peers to develop a better understanding of the impact of one's behaviors.
• The third step involves advertising one's efforts to change and enlisting the help of others to hold oneself accountable.
• Following this, the individual should actively work to change their behavior and develop new habits that are more conducive to success.
• The final steps involve monitoring progress,
• following up with those who provided feedback, and
• demonstrating gratitude for their assistance.

Strategic Plan for Implementing Ideas from "What Got You Here Won't Get You There"

Self-assessment and habit identification: Encourage your audience to take a step back and reflect on their own behavior and habits at work. They should identify the habits listed in the book that resonate with them or those that have been pointed out by colleagues or superiors. This self-assessment should be honest and objective to ensure maximum benefit.

Tips:

• Set aside dedicated time for self-reflection, perhaps during a quiet moment outside of work hours.
• Consider journaling to document thoughts and insights, which can help track progress over time.

Seek feedback and apologize: Once they have identified the habits that may be hindering their growth, your audience should seek feedback from colleagues, superiors, and team members. They should apologize for any past negative behaviors and express their commitment to change.

Tips:

• Use open-ended questions when seeking feedback, such as "How can I improve my communication style?" or "What specific actions can I take to support you better?"
• Be sincere and genuine in apologies, taking responsibility for past actions without making excuses.

Script: "I've realized that I have a habit of [habit], and I want to apologize for any negative impact it may have had on our working relationship. I'm committed to changing this behavior, and I'd appreciate your honest feedback on how I can improve."

Advertise efforts to change and enlist support: Share the intention to change with colleagues and ask for their support in holding oneself accountable. By making this commitment public, the individual is more likely to follow through on their goals.

Script: "As part of my personal growth journey, I'm working on addressing my [habit]. I'd appreciate your support in holding me accountable and providing feedback as I strive to improve."

Develop an action plan: Create a detailed plan outlining the steps necessary to replace the negative habits with more productive behaviors. This plan should include specific actions, deadlines, and benchmarks for measuring progress.

Tips:

• Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to ensure progress is trackable.

Practice new habits and behaviors: With the action plan in place, it's crucial to consistently practice the new behaviors, replacing the old habits over time.

Tips:

• Be patient, as forming new habits can take time and perseverance.
• Celebrate small victories and progress to stay motivated.

Monitor progress and follow up: Regularly evaluate progress and check in with colleagues who provided feedback earlier. This will help the individual stay accountable and make any necessary adjustments to their action plan.

Script: "A few weeks ago, I asked for your feedback on my efforts to address my [habit]. I'd like to check in and see if you've noticed any improvements and if there's anything else I can do to continue growing in this area."

Show gratitude: Express gratitude to those who have provided feedback and support throughout the process. Acknowledging their help will strengthen relationships and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth.

Script: "I wanted to thank you for your honest feedback and support as I've been working to address my [habit]. Your input has been invaluable, and I appreciate your help in my growth journey."

By analyzing each habit and proposing a solution or "pivot move," the authors help readers to overcome these habits and reach new heights in their careers.

By addressing these habits and implementing the suggested pivot moves, individuals can overcome barriers to growth and achieve even greater success in their personal and professional lives.

In conclusion, "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" provides a valuable roadmap for professionals looking to improve their personal and professional lives. By recognizing the habits that may be limiting their growth and taking active steps to address them, individuals can unlock new levels of success and fulfillment. The authors' practical and actionable advice, grounded in real-life examples and insights, makes this book an essential resource for those seeking to achieve greater heights in their careers.

While this summary strives to present a concise overview, it is strongly recommended to explore the original content for a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate ideas and perspectives shared by the author Goldsmith, M. and Reiter, M. (2007). What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful. New York: Hachette Book Group..

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